NOVPUBChapter 1347: 634 You Tan_1 Chapter 1347: 634 You Tan_1 634
In front of the temple gate, behind layers of human figures, stood an old woman.
The old woman wore a grey linen robe, her partially white hair tied into a bun at the back of her head.
She wore no adornments, her attire was quite simple.
However, her spirit and demeanor were not to be underestimated, especially her eyes, which radiated a heart-palpitating wisdom amid their tranquillity.
At that moment, her gaze penetrated layers of people and fell upon Charlotte Aria, scrutinizing her critically.
Upon seeing the old woman standing next to Charlotte Aria, she furrowed her brows slightly.
...
After pondering for a moment, she made her way through the crowd and approached the two: “Sister Frost, long time no see.”
Madam Aria turned around, looking quite surprised: “What brought you here?”
“How could I miss the Spring Festival Qingming Puja conducted by Master Kurong?
But Sister Frost, it’s been so long since I saw you.
You look healthier, seems you’ve had some contented days recently.”
Madam Aria responded with a forced smile: “I’m entangled in worldly affairs, unlike you, Charmaine, living a peaceful life.”
These two old women bantered back and forth, their calm tones concealing turbulent undercurrents.
Having accompanied Madam Aria, Charlotte Aria had met many important figures.
The old lady in front of her seemed vaguely familiar, she had the surname Dankworth, but Charlotte did not know her specific name.
She only heard her grandmother call her “Charmaine”, this Dankworth was not from the Dankworths that Mykel Dankworth belonged to, but it was of even higher status.
She seemed to have some connection with her grandmother’s maternal family.
This woman always lived a simple life and was rarely seen by others.
This Madam Dankworth was quite mysterious and always spoke to her grandmother in an underhanded manner.
Charlotte could not tell how her grandmother had offended her.
The old woman, who didn’t get the upper hand in the cordial conversation with her grandmother, turned her gaze to Charlotte.
In that instant, the intense pressure made Charlotte’s scalp tingle.
“Hello, Grandma Dankworth, I’m Charlotte Aria.” Charlotte politely spoke up. 𝓷ℴ𝓿𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝓬ℴ𝓶
“Charlotte has grown up so much.
Sister Frost is lucky to have such a pretty and well-behaved granddaughter.”
Despite her polite words, her eyes retained a chilling calmness.
Charlotte even felt as if she was being stared at by a venomous snake.
Without batting an eyelid, Madam Aria drew Charlotte behind her.
“Let’s not keep Master Kurong in waiting.”
Charmaine Dankworth’s gaze fell on the lotus pool behind Charlotte, her lips curled: “Sister Frost, do you still remember the prophecy of Master Keats Mercer?”
Madam Aria’s expression stalled.
Charlotte felt her grandmother tighten her grip.
She looked at Madam Aria with some confusion: “Grandmother, what is this…”
What is this about Master Keats Mercer, what prophecy?
Charmaine Dankworth’s gaze fell on the most lustrous lotus.
With a teasing smile on her lips, she murmured lightly: “When the Udapalvara flower blooms again, the Buddha’s bone will reappear in the earthly world!, that day is nearly upon us.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Madam Aria responded calmly, turning around and leading Charlotte Aria away.
Confused, Charlotte could only obediently follow Madam Aria.
Standing by the lotus pool, Charmaine looked as if she was about to gently touch the lotus, only for the flower to wilt and decay rapidly.
“Tsk, what a mood killer.”
——
Aubree Groove entered a clean and bright room, the door gently closing behind her.
Master Kurong was younger than she had imagined.
He was seated on a meditation cushion, his face kind and his smile benevolent; a true enlightened monk.
Aubree felt a serene and peaceful power from him.
His gaze was warm and tranquil, just like a stream flowing under the moonlight, beneath the silent surface hid a tumultuous undercurrent.
“Junior clearly has a discerning judgment.” This was the first thing Master Kurong said when he saw her.
Aubree Groove knelt on the ground, looking reverent: “Disciple Aubree Groove pays respect to Elder Master.”
Master Kurong rose from the meditation cushion and took her by the hand, “Good child, stand up.”
He looked at the young girl in front of him, his gaze gradually welling up.
People say that the monk is detached from worldly desires, devoid of emotions, but monks are ultimately human, not Buddhas.
“How did you know I am your elder master?
Did your master mention me to you?” A faint hope arose in Master Kurong’s eyes.
Aubree pulled out a rolled parchment from her pack and delivered it into Master Kurong’s hands.
“I found it while sorting through my master’s belongings.
I think it should be returned to its rightful owner.”
Master Kurong stared blankly at the parchment.
After a while, he extended a trembling hand.
Aubree took a step back, yielding space to the figure in front of her.
Long after, Master Kurong carefully put away the parchment, pondering, “Your master….”
Aubree gently responded, “My master passed away peacefully.
She had no regrets.”
Master Kurong smiled and shook his head, “Indeed, my junior was an incredibly transparent person.”
Outside, Oliver Williams spoke softly, “Master, the puja is about to begin.”
After a moment of thought, Master Kurong said, “Aubree, accompany me to the puja.”
Aubree nodded, “Disciple obeys.”
Master Kurong opened the door and addressed Oliver Williams who was waiting outside, “Take your junior to change, she’ll participate in this puja with you.”
Oliver Williams was momentarily stunned, then nodded respectfully, “Junior, please follow me.”
Aubree followed him away.
Master Kurong ran his fingers over the aged parchment, his gaze a mix of clarity and confusion, “Junior, you’ve worked hard.”
——
The Spring Festival Qingming Puja at Magead Temple is the most grand event that takes place once a year.
It lasts for three days and all monks practicing Mahayana Buddhism in the surrounding areas will come to participate.
Some local household practitioners and believers will also come to join.
On this day each year, Magead Temple is packed, even the steps at the entrance are filled with believers.
The altar was placed at the centre of the Magead Temple Square.
Charlotte Aria, with the guidance of a junior monk, helped Madam Aria to the front seat.
This area was closest to the presiding seat and was surrounded by monks she did not recognize.
Charlotte Aria disliked such occasions but she could not show that because she recognized several grandmothers from prominent families in Lostswa among the lay disciples, which made her more restrained.
She was somewhat confused, how could a Buddhist puja attract so many important figures?
And Madam Dankworth, sitting opposite her grandmother, Charlotte Aria always felt her gaze on her, which made her feel uncomfortable with the implicit scrutiny.
At that moment, the bells and drums rang together, the religious horn sounded, the earth trembled with the sound.
Following the guide of the guard of honour, distinguished monks from across the country walked towards the altar.
Her grandmother and the surrounding believers stood in solemn reverence, Charlotte Aria hastily followed suit.
“Invite the master….” As his weighty voice fell, under the grand ceremony, Master Kurong, dressed in a kasaya, slowly appeared.
His appearance brought even more silence to the scene, every face filled with devout respect.
Almost impulsively, Charlotte Aria stole a glance up.
All of a sudden, she froze, looking shocked and incredulous.
